Orlistat Capsules

Orlistat capsules are indicated for weight management in adults with a BMI of 28 kg/m2 or more. It should be used in conjunction with a mildly hypocaloric, low-fat diet. Orlistat is a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor that reduces the absorption of dietary fat by approximately 25%, thereby lowering overall calorie intake. It is taken orally with meals containing fat, up to three times daily.

Take one 60mg capsule with water immediately before, during or up to one hour after each main meal containing fat. If a meal is missed or contains no fat, the orlistat dose can be omitted. Do not take more than three capsules per day. Each meal should contain no more than approximately 30% of calories from fat to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

Orlistat should be used alongside a mildly hypocaloric, nutritionally balanced diet. Fat intake should be spread evenly across three main meals. A nutritionally balanced diet providing no more than 30% of calories from fat is recommended. Treatment should be reviewed after 12 weeks; if less than 5% of initial body weight has been lost, continuing treatment is unlikely to be beneficial so should be discontinued. Treatment should not exceed 6 months.

Common side effects relate to the digestive system and include oily or fatty stools, oily spotting on underwear, urgent need to open bowels, increased number of bowel movements, oily discharge, flatulence and stomach pain. These effects are more likely when high fat meals are consumed.

Orlistat should not be taken if you have problems absorbing food (malabsorption syndrome), cholestasis, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It can reduce the absorption of fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) and a multivitamin supplement is recommended. Women taking oral contraceptives should use an additional barrier method of contraception in cases of severe diarrhoea. Take any other medicines at least 2 hours before or after orlistat.

Orlistat may reduce the absorption of certain medicines including ciclosporin, antiretroviral HIV medicines, levothyroxine and anticoagulants such as warfarin. INR should be monitored more frequently in patients taking warfarin. Fat soluble vitamins and antiepileptic medicines may also be affected. A multivitamin supplement should be taken at bedtime, separated from orlistat doses.